Airport Customs Form
Support for Medications in Japan
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Airport Customs Forms Assistance
Bring Personal Medications To Japan
Travelling to Japan with medications requires careful preparation. Japan enforces strict import controls, and medications that are commonly permitted overseas may be restricted or require prior documentation.
If you are unsure about the documents needed to travel to Japan with prescription medication, we provide guidance on the Japan customs declaration form, Japan customs form requirements, and the Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明), also known as Yunyu Kakunin-sho（輸入確認証）, depending on your medication and travel duration.
Import eligibility depends on active ingredients, dosage, and total quantity, not just prescription status. MedicTranslate provides structured administrative guidance aligned with official Japanese Ministry of Health and Narcotics Control procedures.
Looking for the Medication Import form?
Medication Restrictions
Japan has some of the strictest rules in the world regarding medications. Common prescriptions for ADHD, anxiety, depression, or pain relief may be completely prohibited or require special approval before entry. Without proper clearance, travellers risk having their medications confiscated at the airport.
In Japanese the form is called: Yunyu Kakunin-sho（輸入確認証）or Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明)
When Things Don’t Go to Plan: Real-World Medication Travel Scenarios
Elderly Travellers With Prescriptions
Running out of long-term medication during an extended stay can lead to clinic visits,
repeat tests, and treatment delays when overseas prescriptions are not recognised locally.
Regulated medicines for pre-existing conditions
Many ADHD medications are tightly regulated in Japan. Without advance checks and translated
documentation, treatment can be interrupted unexpectedly.
Support for lost luggage and Insulin dependency
When insulin is lost in transit, replacement delays can become dangerous.
Clear documentation can determine how quickly help is available.
Cancer history
Injuries and illness can happen at any time. Without translated medical information,
emergency care and triage decisions may be delayed.
Injectable Medications and Needle disposal
Past medical treatment still matters. Missing medical history can complicate routine care
and lead to extended hospital stays.
Medical Emergencies and Language Barriers
Safe needle disposal is regulated in Japan. Travellers using injectable medication
need to understand the correct process in advance.
These situations are common and preventable.
Understanding the rules below helps you avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
Medication Restrictions
Japan has some of the strictest rules in the world regarding medications. Common prescriptions for ADHD, anxiety, depression, or pain relief, may be completely prohibited or require special approval before entry.
Even medicines that are routinely available in your home country may be treated as controlled substances in Japan. Without proper clearance, travellers risk having their medications confiscated at the airport.
Dosage Limits
Even if your medicine is permitted, there are strict quantity rules. Travellers are usually only allowed to bring up to a one-month supply of prescription drugs or a two-month supply of over-the-counter medicines without extra paperwork. Anything beyond this requires the Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明) certificate, Japan’s official import permit for personal use. Submitting the form in Japanese, along with supporting documents, is essential to avoid delays or penalties.
Lost or Expired Medications
Replacing your medication inside Japan can be very challenging. Many pharmacies will not dispense foreign prescriptions, and local doctors may hesitate to prescribe unfamiliar medicines. Without a properly translated doctor’s letter or prescription, arranging a replacement can take days or may not be possible at all. Having all documents translated into Japanese before your trip ensures you can quickly access care or request refills from foreign-friendly clinics if needed.
Assessment Form – Supported Languages
Incorrect terminology may delay or reject applications
Missing export declarations can invalidate approval
Incorrect file formats may not be accepted by authorities
Late submissions may not be processed before your travel date
- Recommended Start 3–4 weeks before travel
Translation of prescriptions and medical certificates
Administrative formatting guidance aligned with Japanese requirements
Pre-travel documentation readiness support
Guidance on regulatory pathways and timelines
Issue approvals or submit applications on your behalf
Provide medical or legal advice
Guarantee acceptance of any medication
Act as your representative with Japanese authorities
.
Eligibility Notice
MedicTranslate cannot assist with substances prohibited under Japanese law. Import of prohibited items is not permitted under any circumstances.
Affordable Checkups Packages
$180
/ $USD
Admin Support Only
Basic document preparation and guidance without translation.
Choose this if you already have translated documents or will handle translation separately.
What's included?
- Document preparation guidance
- Import templates & forms
- Step-by-step instructions
*Terms and Conditions apply
$249
/ $USD
Complete Import Package
Full administrative support with certified medical document translation everything you need.
Suitable for those have doctor certificate.
What's included?
- Everything in Admin Support
- 1 x Page Certified Medical Translation
- Ready-to-submit doc for your review
- 15 min Zoom Support
*Terms and Conditions apply
$548
/ $USD
Complete + Notarization
Everything in Complete Import Package + official notarization for legal organizations.
What's included?
- Everything in Complete Package
- Official notarization
- Legal authentication
- 15 Min Zoom Support
*Terms and Conditions apply
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our services, platform usage, and how we can help you navigate medical translation and healthcare in Japan.
No. We provide guidance and document preparation support only. Final approval is determined by Japanese regulatory and customs authorities.
MedicTranslate specializes in translating medical prescriptions, doctor’s letters, medical histories, medication lists, and details about personal medical devices. This ensures compliance with Japanese regulations and seamless communication with local healthcare providers
MedicTranslate assists by translating prescriptions and medication/device details into Japanese, filling out necessary customs forms (e.g., Forms 12, 13, 14), and advising on the documents required for customs clearance, so travelers can legally and smoothly bring their medical items into Japan. Please note we are not proving medical nor Pharmaceutical advises, but simply helping the translation of your documents.
Yes, MedicTranslate offers a service that matches travelers with foreign-friendly clinics and doctors in Japan. This helps ensure that you receive care from professionals experienced in serving non-Japanese-speaking patients.
MedicTranslate takes the safety and privacy of your personal and medical information seriously. We use AWS secure services and host all data in accordance with Japanese patient privacy regulations. Our platform leverages AWS’s highest encryption protocols to protect your data, both at rest and in transit. We are compliant with local and international standards to safeguard your sensitive information
Currently, MedicTranslate supports English to Japanese translation. In the near future, we expand our services to additional languages such as Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese, major European languages, Arabic, and Indian languages.
To get started, simply select “Client Login” on top of the page header and after login upload your medical documents or information on the MedicTranslate platform. The system will guide you through the steps for translation and connecting with foreign-friendly clinics or filling out customs forms based on your provided information.
Yes, in addition to medical document translations, MedicTranslate also offers non-medical translation services to meet the broader needs of tourists and expatriates in Japan.
MedicTranslate connects international patients with a network of Japanese healthcare providers, translating necessary documents and offering support to ensure a smooth experience for those seeking medical treatments in Japan.
MedicTranslate specializes in translating medical prescriptions, doctor’s letters, medical histories, medication lists, and details about personal medical devices. This ensures compliance with Japanese regulations and seamless communication with local healthcare providers
MedicTranslate assists by translating prescriptions and medication/device details into Japanese, filling out necessary customs forms (e.g., Forms 12, 13, 14), and advising on the documents required for customs clearance, so travellers can legally and smoothly bring their medical items into Japan. Please note we are not proving medical nor Pharmaceutical advises, but simply helping the translation of your documents.
No. MedicTranslate does not refer patients to doctors or clinics in Japan. We provide translation and general information support only.
Disclaimer: MedicTranslate does not provide medical, legal, or regulatory advice. We do not refer patients to doctors or clinics in Japan. We operate solely as a technology service provider facilitating information and translation services.
Bringing medicines into Japan
Official sources and practical guides
Government & Official SourcesOfficial English PDF explaining Yakkan Shoumei, required documents, and application steps.
Information on bringing narcotics, psychotropics, and special controlled substances into Japan.
Covers importation limits, restricted items, and general customs procedures.
Official English PDF explaining Yakkan Shoumei, required documents, and application steps.
Information on bringing narcotics, psychotropics, and special controlled substances into Japan.
Covers importation limits, restricted items, and general customs procedures.
Travel & Embassy ResourcesClear English-language overview for U.S. travellers, but useful globally.
Summarises UK advice on medicines, restrictions, and customs requirements.
Australian government guidance on health and medicines in Japan.
Clear English-language overview for U.S. travellers, but useful globally.
Summarises UK advice on medicines, restrictions, and customs requirements.
Australian government guidance on health and medicines in Japan.
Practical Yakkan Shoumei Application SupportJapanese government page with the Yakkan Shoumei forms and instructions.
Tourism-focused, covering medication rules, clinics, and emergency contacts.
Japanese government page with the Yakkan Shoumei forms and instructions.
Tourism-focused, covering medication rules, clinics, and emergency contacts.
We provide Guidance on Yunyu Kakunin-sho（輸入確認証）, also known as Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明), and Japanese airport customs forms for prescription medication. This information is provided as guidance only, and final approval remains with the relevant authorities. This page supports common traveller questions such as bringing medication to Japan, bring drugs to Japan, bring medication to Japan, and Japan medical forms.
Medication Translation Other Services
Prescription Translation
Get your medical prescriptions accurately translated into Japanese for a smooth customs experience.
Doctor's Letter Translation
Ensure your medication lists are translated with precision to avoid any confusion at customs.
Airport Customs Form Assistance
We provide Guidance on Yunyu Kakunin-sho（輸入確認証）, also known as Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明), and Japanese airport customs forms for prescription medication.
Foreign Friendly Clinics
We connect you with foreign-friendly doctors and clinics in Japan, providing the support you need during your stay.